The People That Help To Build Our Bridge

There are many faces that make up our vital volunteer network, from the inception of the Trust through to today joining forces to protect our native landscape. We caught up with a few of them to see what drives them to volunteer and keep connected to the Trust.

Like most conservation efforts across Aotearoa, volunteers are a core part of the DNA of The Forest Bridge Trust and crucial to realising the vision to create and maintain a connected landscape of healthy forest and flourishing indigenous wildlife from the Kaipara Harbour in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east.

In New Zealand, volunteer labour is increasingly relied on to pursue conservation goals. There are an estimated 600 community groups with between 25,000 and 45,000 volunteers actively participating in conservation activities. This is no different for The Forest Bridge Trust with a large, and growing number of volunteers supporting our work.

Gill Adshead with TFBT volunteers and staff

The infectiousness of Kevin and Gill Adshead’s passion to create the ‘bridge’ of forest and native wildlife has exponentially attracted more followers on the journey. In particular, their engagement with landowners and farmers, always seeking to understand the challenges of farming and working the land has built a network of volunteers that not only understand where their contribution fits but feel heard and supported.

Farmer, Felicity (Fliss) Taylor is one of those landowners engaged with the Trust, volunteering her time for the last few years as a coordinator of the Logue’s Bush Hub. She has first-hand experience of the importance of volunteers making a real difference. “Previously I had been doing my own trapping on our land, making slow head way due to the reinvasion of pests,” says Fliss.

“Now with the help of volunteers we are able to have more trap lines in a greater area. This has already made trapping on our farm much easier with a lower number of pests and a noticeable increase in bird life.”

Volunteering can also cover a range of functions and isn’t necessarily limited to one skill set. Many long-standing volunteers continue to donate time to the Trust, providing that much needed ‘on the ground’ feedback to inform and shape ideas and initiatives. This becomes even more important as the Trust grows.

Executive Director, Tracy Tristram, also highlights the success of community volunteers in their local areas. “We rely on the many wonderful people working with us which means we can continue to support communities to build conservation initiatives in their patch.”

Sophie on predator control duty

Further along the bridge in Omaha, local Hayley Sutton supported by her 11-year-old daughter Sophie are also doing their bit to enhance the biodiversity as volunteers on the Schollum Road trapline as part of the Tamahunga project. Hayley has also helped out at workshops and trapping on her own property. Hayley’s driver is enhancing our environment to bring back our native species.

“Having the knowledge that native wildlife not currently present within our communities, could one day return to a safe, habitable environment, gives us a great sense of satisfaction,” says Hayley. “The excellent resources and invaluable education provided by the Trust has informed us and keeps us motivated to continue being a part of the team of volunteers.”

Chris and his family

Also in Omaha, marathon runner Chris Worth makes use of his training time by trail running a trapline on Mount Tamahunga. He also swaps out the SD cards on trail cameras used for remote monitoring that are used keep an eye on what pests are roaming around the maunga.

As well as maintaining his fitness Chris says there are other added benefits to donating some time to help out.

“ It’s a chance to give back and connect more with our community and environment as well as an opportunity to learn something new”, he says. “It’s good for the soul and reconnects you to the natural environment.”

If you are thinking that you don’t have time, here are some words of encouragement from our volunteers;

“I get it!” says Chris, “What I’ve put my hand up for is nothing onerous. We live in a beautiful part of the world I want to explore more and have the opportunity for some extra exercise whilst knowing it’s being done for the benefit of the community. We can all make time for what we enjoy, or feel is important in our lives.”

Save two birds with one walk!

Following the lengthy periods at home during Level 4 COVID restrictions in the area, you may be keen to get out into the fresh air and enjoy the tracks and native bush in our area to build your mental and physical health. If you are, how about checking some traps along the way? If you are interested in helping us to build the bridge and enhance the biodiversity in our place by working together email us at admin@theforestbridgetrust.org.nz